arid landscapes which provided the perfect terrain for the many spaghetti
westerns which were filmed here, including those by Sergio Leone. David
Lean’s acclaimed Lawrence of Arabia also used the region and local town. The star
attraction, however, is the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, which is of volcanic origin. It
covers an area of 380 square kilometres, its beautifully and ecologically rich coastline
famous for its beaches and fishing villages. And with average temperatures ranging
between 17 and 30 degrees Celsius, the climate promises perfect conditions.
These all add to the drama of the landscape and whet the appetite of golfers
who can begin to appreciate what the Aguilón golf course – known as ‘The 5
Courses’ – has to offer.
With a backdrop of the Sierra Aguilón mountains to the west and the enchanting
Bay of Pulpi to the south, this is a course that sits magnificently in its natural
environment. The topography ensures that the holes here are utterly captivating.
Opened in 2008, it has the distinction of being acclaimed internationally
as “The Best Desert Course in Europe”. This 18 hole course was designed by
Stirling&Martin Golf Course Architects, and it is both spectacular and unique,
its lush greens contrasting with glistening white bunkering, stark, scattered
palm trees and rocky mountainscapes rising almost directly overhead. There
are more than 100 of these white-sanded bunkers, as well as six lakes laced
around greens. The terrain ebbs and flows with the natural contours of the land,
while numerous ravines slice across the course, leaving bridges as the only way
to cross. It creates an unforgettable golf experience with Spanish flair and a
Californian style.
Aguilón is a strong challenge for golfers of all abilities, but the surroundings and
the novel design make this one of the most interesting new courses in Spain.
Global Golf manage the resort but the relationship runs much deeper than that
as the company comprises three integrated units, one of which is Stirling&Martin
Golf Course Architects. Led by Blake Stirling and Marco Martín, their names
adorn the design column of 22 golf courses, and it is they who designed and
developed Aguilón Golf Club. That, however, is only the start of it as the
company is involved in a further 80 projects around the world.
The goal of the design duo is to produce a golfing experience where all levels
of golfers yearn to repeat it again and again. But their objectives are also
to create win-win scenarios for all concerned: from golfers and developers
to environmental authorities. Designs are based on an in-depth analysis of
the surroundings and the natural integration of each golf course with its
environment. Such an approach ensures each course fits naturally with its
landscape and embraces the local flora and fauna.
Each project is different, where the elements of fun, intrigue and beauty are
employed to instil endless variety for the golfer while also presenting the best
golf course possible. Such an approach allows Stirling&Martin to surpass the
expectations of clients and golfers alike.
Volume 3 • Issue 34
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